Do you think that using hand sanitizers might expose you to certain dangers that can cause harm to your skin? Just as they say, excessive use of anything is bad, so is the case of hand sanitizers.
Too much use of hand sanitizers may be harmful to your skin. Go through the article to know more.
What Is Hand Sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer or hand antiseptic is a gel, foam or liquid based supplement. Hand sanitizer ingredients usually comprise of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol which is as an active ingredient and works as an antiseptic. Other ingredients include water, fragrance, and glycerin.
Hand Sanitizer Effectiveness
Washing hands with a hand sanitizer work best in reducing the number of microbes from your hand. An alcohol-based hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol which is highly effective in killing the harmful bacteria. While using a hand sanitizer, make sure you apply the product to the palm of one hand and rub it over the surfaces of your hands until your hands feel dry.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are quite effective but they do not guarantee 100% elimination of all types of germs. Hand sanitizers may not be as harmful as pesticides or heavy metals, but the dangers of using too much hand sanitizers are known to all of us.
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Pros And Cons Of Hand Sanitizer
Every product comes with its own set of pros and cons, and hand sanitizers are no different.
PRO’s
#1. They are easily available, pocket-sized and reasonably priced.
#2. They are helpful in killing the bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
#3. They help in spreading awareness against the major germ transmitters, especially amongst the children.
CONS
#1. The alcohol percentage in a hand sanitizer ranges from 60% to 90%. This makes the product flammable as well as toxic if ingested by small children.
#2. Antibacterial agents present in hand sanitizers will only kill the immediate germs but the remaining small percentage of germs will multiply to create other germs.
#3. Unfortunately, hand sanitizers are not capable of discriminating between the good and the bad bacteria and hence, at times the good ones get wiped out. This could lead to lowering of the immunity system.
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When To Use Hand Sanitizers
#1. Before eating
#2. After using the bathroom
#3. After playing with your pets
#4. Before and after visiting sick friends
#5. After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
Hand Sanitizer Side Effects
Overuse of antibacterial soaps or hand sanitizers can promote the growth of drug-resistant “superbugs”. Triclosan, an active ingredient present in most of the hand sanitizers. It not only kills the bacteria but also kills the human cells which are important for boosting the immunity system.
There is certain bacteria exposure which is important for children. It is so because these bacteria aids in strengthening their immune system instead of causing any harm. Excessive use of hand sanitizers will prevent the children from such exposures leading to a weaker immune system resulting in allergies and asthma.
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Do you use too much of your hand sanitizer? Let us know in the comment section below.
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